Prevent those Charley Horses

by Brian White (Subscribe to Brian White's posts)
Jun 5th 2007 1:02PM

Ever been working out or stretching and get that painful Charley Horse? It's not fun when a muscle (usually, a leg muscle) spasms and tightens, causing leg pain in many cases. But, is there any way to prevent them?

I've gotten Charley Horses when I attempt to prepare for exercise by doing other exercises. The gradual loosening and warming of the leg muscles using stretches and movements can often reduce or eliminate the Charley Horse, although in my case sometimes that still is not enough.

Stretching for about 10 minutes (or maybe more) is the key I have found. Don't get overanxious to get your workout going by quickly stretching. Muscles don't relax that fast! Another key? Drink about 20 to 25 ounces of cool water while exercising as well to keep that body hydrated.

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Comments (6)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jill 3-29-2008 @ 12:06AM

put a bar of soap under your bed sheets and no more charley horses-ever!!!

Melody 4-26-2008 @ 6:39PM

Jill, my girlfriend told me about putting a bar of soap in the bed for cramped or tighten muscles. Works..didn't believe it until I tried it. It really works!

Petunia 3-29-2008 @ 3:10AM

AOL,
You responded to my response to Jill by saying you had sent me an e-mail with a link to post my response. That was an hour or so ago.
Now what????????

Petunia 3-31-2008 @ 12:38AM

Jill,
This is what I posted to you earlier...

Jill, I have read this remedy before, but there were no details such as: Take the soap out of the wrapper or not. Also, thinking about the "Princess and the Pea", I assume that one would need to put this way at the foot of the bed? I can't imagine anyone getting on this during the night...OUCH!!!

Thanks,

Karine Aguilar 6-08-2008 @ 12:42PM

Good Lord anyone with a brain would know that leaving a paper wrapper on will do SQUAT for your Charley Horse...

Mary 3-15-2009 @ 7:31AM

Now here's something I know about. At 65, I get more than my share of Charlie Horses. To top it off, my toes and fingers sometimes lock up on me. With the fingers, you just rub the locked position until it loosens up. With toes, you can rub them too or get up and move around. Also, with Charlie Horses, it is best to get up and walk it off.
Now...for a bit of good news for those who didn't know. When you first start to feel a Charlie Horse coming on...stretch out the HEEL OF THE FOOT....NOT your toes! If you catch the CH pain coming on; this action should reverse it immediately. Actually, there shouldn't be any CH pain at all upon doing this little procedure. Stretching out your heel should block the CH altogether.
Good luck.